The Rotorua Half Ironman is on tomorrow at Tikitapu (Blue Lake). Watch out for cyclists on Te Ngae Rd. Photo / File
If you want to give support to ordinary people doing extraordinary things head out to Tikitapu (Blue Lake) tomorrow and cheer on those in the Rotorua Half Ironman.
The event is a 2km swim, 90km bike ride to Lake Rotoma and back and then a 21km run around Tikitapu and
Rotokakahi (Green Lake).
It has been held in Rotorua for eight years and is the best place in New Zealand for such an event, said race director Shane Hook. He said the scenery, competitors and overall atmosphere made it a special day.
The main race begins at 6.30am, but this year those who expect to finish later than seven hours can start at 5.45am. That means cyclists will be out on the bike course a bit earlier than in previous years. The bike course goes from Tikitapu along Tarawera Rd, right on to Te Ngae Rd and then right at the Whakatane turn-off. Motorists should give cyclists 1.5m when passing.
Spectators have been asked to stay at the event headquarters to keep the roads clear of extra traffic. "The start and finish line is where people should stay," Mr Hooks said.
